PS 3521 
.1513 

155 

1922 

Copy i ifa g>eatcf) of Carolyn 

A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 

BY— - 

BEULAH KING 



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H.^llil'I'I'liWll 
IKIil!ilii!i'i;iHfl,|. 



Price 35 Cents 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio 22* Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Logan Street 



=?J\ 



Some Bright New 

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First Aid to Santa 



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The Christmas Chain 

By Lillian Pearson. A pretty sketch for 14 or more 
children. The Christmas Angel shows her complete 
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sults. Plays about 20 minutes. Price 25c. 

How the Christmas Song Was Found 

By Lillian Pearson. A simple, hut beautiful sketch 
for any number of children, 12 required. Shows the 
real spirit of Christmas and tells how the glad 
Christmas song was found. Time, 20 to 30 minutes. 
For day schools or church entertainments. Price 25c. 

Mr. Richey Changes His Mind 

By Lee Owen Snook. Story of a crabbed, wealthy 
employer and how at Christmas time the memory of 
his. mother changed his attitude toward his employes 
from that of a "driver" to a considerate comrade. An 
unexpected romance develops. 4 males, 4 females, 
and others, either high school or adults. Plays about 
20 minutes. Price, 25c. 



The Little Stranger 



A moving picture Christmas play, by Edna Randolph 
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any number of children. Plays about 30 minutes. 25c. 

Ten Good Christmas Pantomimes 

By Ethel Eldridge. A collection that will add novelty 
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Eldridge Entertainment House 



FRANKLIN, OHIO 



also 



DENVER, COLO. 
944 S. Logan St. 



=3* 



In Search of Carolyn 



A Comedy In Three Acts 



By BEULAH KING 

PRICE 35 CENTS 



Copyright 1922, Eldridge Entertainment House 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

Franklin, Ohio Denver, Colo. 



.1 513 J 55 
3 2.2. 



CHARACTERS 



Mr. Dawson — a plain, jolly man of fifty. 

Mrs. Dawson — a handsome woman of forty-five. Her 
ambition is to rise in society and her hobby is 
titles. 

Carolyn Dawson — a beautiful girl of twenty. There 
is nothing silly about Carolyn. She is a beauti- 
ful little flower that has been protected from the 
harshness of the world. 

Thomas Dudley — who is wickedly handsome and pos- 
essed of a sympathetic heart. 

Arthur Harrisford — of whom the war has made a man, 
although it failed to improve his looks. 

Andria Fay — a modern girl with all the dignity and 
beauty of a maid of the Middle Ages. She wears 
her wavy hair short. 

Finney Manners — not much in brain or appearance. 
His life consists of one love affair after another. 

Theodosia Lancaster — a wholesome, whole-hearted girl 
with common sense although she does live the life 
Bohemian and wear her hair bobbed. 

Susan — a maid. 

Colette — a maid. 

©CID 63211 

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In Search of Carolyn 



ACT I. 

Scene — Library at the Dawson's. In the rear wall, 
center, double doors leading into the hall in which the 
staircase is visible. In the right to all, center, a door 
leading into a living room. The library is furnished 
richly, as might be expected of the family of a prosper- 
ous merchant of good taste. 

Discovered — Mrs. Dawson seated ivith due elegance 
on a Chippendale chair. Mr. Dawson pacing the floor and 
smoking. 

Mrs. D. — Do sit down Henry. You make me nervous. 

Mr. D. — (slyly) Aren't you a bit nervous, yourself, 
old girl? 

Mrs. D — (disgusted) Of course not. Haven't I 
dined with a duchess and taken tea with the wife of the 
prime minister? 

Mr. D. — (completely squelched) Ah, Clarissa, you 
have — that's a fact. What's an earl more or less to you? 

Mrs. D. — I feel this to be the great moment of my 
life — the moment for which I have lived. 

Mr. D. — (humbly) I'm sorry I wasn't an earl, Clar- 
issa. 

Mrs. D. — (solemnly) I forgive you, Henry. 

Mr. D. — You are sure he'll make her a good hus- 
band? 

Mrs. D. — (rebuff) Henry! 

Mr. D. — They're a queer lot. 

Mrs. D. — He's mad about her. 



In Search of Carolyn 



Mr. D. — But he hasn't seen her for four years. The 
war, my dear, has changed many a man's view point. 

Mrs. D. — Not about women, and Carolyn hasn't 
changed in that time. 

Mr. D. — Hasn't she? I rather thought she had. 
{thoughtfully .) 

Mrs. P. — She's as lovely as ever. 

Mr. D. — Oh, she's lovely enough, Clarissa, but her 
ideas. 

Mrs. D. — She's no business to have any at her age. 
She didn't sniff at his lordship four years ago, at Baden, 
and she won't sniff at him now. He has his title still, 
and his money. 

Mr. D. — {thoughtfully) I wonder if he has his pret- 
ty ways still. 

Mrs. D. — I know you never liked him, Henry. You 
made it very evident. 

Mr. D — I'm sorry. I'll try to do better this time. 

Mrs. D. — Please — for my sake. 

Mr. D. — Oh, he wasn't a bad sort, but too soft, too 
deucedly soft. 

Mrs. D. — He went to war. 

Mr. D. — Yes, and let's hope it made a man of him. 
{Suddenly) You think he intends to marry Carolyn? 

Mrs. D. — Henry, you do ask the most useless ques- 
tions. Of course he intends to marry her. What do you 
suppose he is coming to America for? 

Mr. D.— Er— I don't know, Clarissa— That's what I 
was wondering about. 

Mrs. D. — {with infinite patience) He landed yester- 
day. He is coming here today. Are you so dull — 
Mr. D.— I must be. 

Mrs. D. — The only thing for us to do is to show him 
Carolyn and — 

Mr. D.— Cela suffit. 
Mrs. D.— Exactly. 



In Search of Carolyn 



Mr. D. — (persistently) I don't want to upset you, 
Clarissa, but what if Carolyn's ideas of a husband have 
changed since four years ago? She was a child then. 

Mrs. D. — My dear, they haven't changed. I have 
talked with her and she feels the same toward his lord- 
ship — exactly the same. She is a docile child. 

Mr. D. — Is she? (Reminiscing.) I wonder if you 
recall the day she told you she didn't like hurdy gurdy 
men — oh, not for a cent, and we found out later she had 
followed one half way round town? 

Mrs. D. — I don't get the significance, Henry, and I 
hate reminiscing. We were poor then, and nobodies. 

Mr. D. — Yes, we were poor then, and might be now 
but for Tom Dudley. 

Mrs. D. — Now, I suppose you are going to say you 
wish Carolyn would marry him. 

Mr. D. — Jove, Clarissa, how you do read my 
thoughts ! 

Mrs. D. — If I have my way, and I intend to, Carolyn 
shall not meet Tom Dudley until her engagement to the 
Earl of Craven has been announced. 

Mr. D. — Ah, my dear, you misjudge Tom. He is the 
soul of honor. 

Mrs. D. — He is handsome, Henry, and the women 
like him. 

Mr. D. — Yes — yes, they do — that's a fact — the wom- 
en like him. 

Mrs. D. — Didn't Mrs. Pratt make a fool of herself 
over him? 

Mr. D. — (ruefully) Yes, and he would have married 
her, poor boy — out of pity, if her husband hadn't taken 
her away. He's too blamed sympathetic, Tom is. 

Mrs. D. — He is, and I suppose he can't help being a 
heart breaker. That's why I don't want Carolyn to see 
him. You'll keep him away from the house, Henry? 

(Carolyn can be seen coming down the stairs.) 



In Search of Carolyn 



Mr. D. — Very well, my dear, I'll send him to Tim- 
buctoo for a vacation. He needs one. 

(Carolyn runs in to her father.) 

Car. — Oh, you wicked old dad, who is to be banished 
now.? (She kisses him.) 

Mrs. D. — (trying to be severe) Carolyn, you should 
be napping. 

Car. — (ignoring the remark) You see, you banished 
me for eight years, and I know what it means. 

Mr. D. — Banished you? My dear, one never speaks 
of Paris as a place of banishment. 

Car. — (pouting) One does when Paris is seen in the 
company of the Countess Beaumont. Why, she was more 
sedate than mamma! 

Mr. D. — Ha, ha, ha! 

Car. — (slumping in a chair) Papa, do you want me 
to marry the Earl of Craven? 

Mr. D. — (with a look at Mrs. D.) Er — ahem! It's 
a very fine match, my dear. 

Mrs. D. — I think we won't discuss the earl now. 

Car. — (spoiled) Yes, we will, mamma. 

(Mrs. D. coughs nervously) 

Car. — (laughing) Don't be alarmed, mamma dear- 
est. I liked him at Baden, didn't I? (Rises and goes to 
her father.) Do you remember, Dad, the funny way he 
had of sipping tea? Said his ancestors sipped it that 
way since the time of the first earl. (Laughs.) Funny, 
wasn't it? 

Mr. D. — (chuckling) Deucedly. 

Car. — (coming back to chair and nestling down in 
it) Awfully funny. 

Mrs. D. — (going to Carolyn and smoothing her 
hair) The first earl of Craven was a great soldier. 

Car. — Was he? I don't believe the present one is. 

Mrs. D. — I am sure he did his duty as a gentleman. 



In Search of Carolyn 



Car. — He had terribly long legs. (Dreamily) He 
could have run away easily. 

Mr. D. — Ha, ha, ha! 

Car. — As I recall him now, he looked something like 
a spider. 

Mrs. D.— Carolyn! 

Car. — Oh, mamma, please. Some people like spi- 
ders and I never minded them in the least. 

(Mrs. D. opens her mouth, but closes it.) 
Mr. D. — (to Mrs. D.) My dear, the present genera- 
tion is famed for its — er — rather startling remarks. 
Don't let them upset you. 

(Mrs. D. subsides and goes back to her chair.) 

Car.— Dad? 

Mr. D.— Yes? 

Car. — I saw an awfully attractive man sitting in 
your private office yesterday. 

Mrs. D. — Er-hem! (Gives Mr. D .look of warning.) 

Mr. D. — (pretty good for him who has small imag- 
ination) Ah— er — probably Wigglesworth. Poor chap, 
he's been in there a good deal lately. He has a wife and 
four children and is hard up. (Mrs. D. looks approving- 
ly on her lying husband.) I'm on his note. 

Car. — A wife and four children — 

Mrs. D. — Yes, and he loves them dearly. 

Car. — I'm sure this man wasn't married. Wasn't 
there anyone else in your office yesterday? 

Mrs. D. — My dear child, can't you believe your fa- 
ther? 

Car. — Oh, yes, I always believe daddy. He couldn't 
tell a lie to save his life. 

Mr. D. — (conscience-stricken) A-hem! 

Car. — (innocently) But I thought he had made a 
mistake. 

Mr. D. — Perhaps I did, my dear, perhaps I did. 



In Search of Carolyn 



Car.— I hope so. You see I thought nice things 
about this man all the way home. And last night I 
dreamed about him. Oh, it was the loveliest dream. 
Don't you think, daddy, he's just the kind of a man you 
would dream about? 

Mrs. D. — But one doesn't dream about a man who 
has a wife and four children. 

Car. — Don't you daddy? He's tall and dark, and — 

Mrs. D. — — has a wife and — 

Car. — No, he hasn't. We decided daddy had made a 
mistake. This is another man, and he's wonderful. 

{Enter Siisan, rear.) 

Susan — Mrs. Dawson, will you come to the tele- 
phone? 

Mrs. D. — Yes, Susan. (Goes out, folloived by Susan) 

(Car. goes over to her father.) 

Car. — (cautiously) Daddy, I'll tell you something, 
if you won't tell mother. 

Mr. D. — I swear. 

Car. — He looked at me. 

Mr. D.— Who? 

Car. — That man in your office. 

Mr. D.— Well? 

Car. — He has wonderful eyes. Please, dad, tell me 
who he is. You know, and you can't deny it. 

Mr. D.— But I did tell you. 

Car. — It wasn't the truth. 

Mr. D. — How can that be? You just informed me 
I couldn't tell a lie to save my life. 

Car. — But that's how I knew. 

Mr. D.— Ha, ha, ha! 

Car.: — Now, please, before mother comes back. (She 
holds her ear to his lips.) Who is he? 

Mr. D. — I told you, my dear. 



In Search of Carolyn 



Car. — (walking away from him) YOU'LL be sorry, 
daddy. 

Mr. D. — Daughters should not doubt their fathers. 

Car. — (mischievously) Not even when their fath- 
ers have eyes that speak the truth if their lips don't? 

Mr. D.— Do mine? 

Car. — Yes, daddy, they do. Besides, I know who the 
man is. 

Mr. D. — Of course you do. I've told you. 

Car. — He's the junior partner of the firm of Daw- 
son & Dudley. 

Mr. D. — (flinging up his hands) I give up. 

Car. — Oh, dad, he's a dear. Is he married? Tell 
me. Just whisper. (Pause. Dad is about to give in — ■ 
then Mrs. Dawson enters.) 

Mrs. D. — {impressively) The earl. 

MR. D. — {imitating) Ah! 

Mrs. D.~He's coming right over. {To Car.) Run, 
my cherie. Everything is ready. 

Car. — (not in the least flustered) The Earl! — I 
wonder if the war has changed him. 

Mr. D. — Run along, honey. Mind your mother. You 
mustn't keep the great man waiting. 

(Car. runs to the foot of the stairs ivhile they watch 
her with pride.) 

Mrs. D. — (turning to Mr. D.) He's as much in love 
with her as ever. 

Mr. D. — (unconsciously repeating Carolyn's ivords) 
I w T onder if the war has changed him. 

Car. — {running back in their midst) Funny, isn't 
it, my becoming the wife of an earl? (Laughing gayly) 
I'm not so sure but I like the idea immensely. (She runs 
off and up over the stairs like a ivill-o'-the-tvisp.) 

Mr. D. — (chuckling) She's spoiled, but she's the 
best spoiled kid in the world. 



10 In Search of Carolyn 



Mrs. D. — {to herself) I've decided on her black vel- 
vet. 

MR. D.— Eh? 

Mrs. D. — Did you ever think Henry, how fortunate 
we are to have such a lovely and such a docile daughter? 

Mr. D. — Many times, my dear. 

Mrs. D. — I never knew Carolyn to oppose me openly. 
She has always done as I wished and when I think of 
Mrs. Beckford and her four unruly daughters, I am dou- 
bly thankful. 

Mr, D. — They are clever girls. 

Mrs. D. — Oh, they're clever enough after a fashion, 
but think how many times they have broken her heart. 

Mr. D. — Yes, it must be pretty well shattered by 
now. 

Mrs D. — There was Lucile who could have married 
that rich Mr. Reaveley, and she wouldn't. Nothing under 
heaven could make her. 

(Car. calls from top of stairs.) 
Car. — Mother, shall I wear my pearls? 
Mrs. D. — No, dearie — no ornaments tonight. 
Car. — Very well, mother. 

Mrs. D, — (with satisfaction) What would Mrs. 
Beckford give, to have a daughter like Carolyn? 

(Enter Siisan.) 

Susan — (announcing) The Earl of Craven. 

(Enter at the rear door, the earl. Exit Susan.) 

(The carl is still ugly, but toe are sure at the first 
glance that the war has changed him.) 

Mrs. D. — (rushing to meet him) My dear boy, you 
honor us. (They shake hands.) 

Craven — How do you do, Mrs. Dawson? You're 
looking wonderfully fit. (Shakes hands with Mr. D.) 
How do you do, sir? 



In Search of Carolyn 11 

Mr. D. — Excellently, my lord, and you? 

Craven — Oh, I'm the same lean bird I've always 
been. 

Mr. D. — (scrutinizing him) Are you? 

Craven — (getting his meaning) Well — perhaps, not 
wholly. My friends tell me I've developed a sense of hu- 
mor. 

Mr. D. — Bravo! I predict a ripe old age. 

Craven — Perhaps I won't want it. 

Mrs. D. — (with sudden perspicacity) Oh, come, now, 
why shouldn't a fine young man like you want it? Urn? 

Mr. D. — Perhaps, Clarissa, he doesn't care to state 
his reasons. 

Craven — Oh, yes, I do. There's nothing secret about 
them — -in fact I think you ought to know, if you haven't 
already guessed. 

Mrs. D. — (sitti?ig and indicating chair for Craven) 
There. I'm sure he'll feel better telling someone. It's 
wrong to keep troubles to one's self. 

Craven — They're not exactly troubles — that is, not 
yet. Oh, the deuce; can't you see? It all depends on 
Carolyn. 

Mrs. D.— There! 

Craven — (shyly) I've loved her since the first day I 
saw her. I've never been able to forget her. 
Mrs. D.--Poor boy! 

Craven — She — she hasn't anyone — any — 
Mr. D.— Ha, ha, ha! 

Mrs. D. — (quickly) My dear boy, no. I'll tell you 
something if you'll not tell. 

Craven — Yes ? 

Mrs. D. — I think she's never forgotten you. 

Craven— You don't say. (Sobering) Well, I wouldn't 
blame her. If I had seen such a rare old bird I wouldn't 
have forgotten him either. (To Mr. D.) My sense of 
humor, sir. Five years ago I couldn't have said that. 



12 In Search of Carolyn 



j\j r \)_ — {delighted) I believe you. 
MRS. J). — (in deepest sympathy) I'm sure she does- 
n't think of you in that way. 

Craven — I'm thankful to know she thinks of me at 

all. 

Mrs. D. — She is very anxious to see you again. 

Craven — Dees she remember Baden? 

Mrs. I). — Does she remember it? My dear boy, she 
has talked more of Baden than any other part of the 
world. 

Craven — So much has happened since then. 

Mr. D. — (sitting) To you, yes, but not to her. 

jy[ RS- x). — No, not to her. She is the same sweet 
child. 

Craven — (simply) I'm glad she hasn't changed. I 
liked her so well as she was. You were in the country 
during the war? 

Mrs. D. — We had just come home that July. Come, 
tell us about yourself. You have been in the midst of 
things. 

Craven — There is nothing to tell. The war came, 
and I enlisted — then the war was over and now, here I 
am. 

Mrs. D. — But all that happened in between. The ter- 
rible battles, the mud, the canned beef, the dreadful Ger- 
mans. 

Craven — (laughing) You have told it, madam. 

Mr. D. — Were you wounded? 

Craven — Twice. 

Mrs. D. — (cooingly) Oh, my poor boy. 

Craven — Tell me, does Miss Carolyn still love ad- 
venture ? 

Mrs .D. — Adventure? 

Mr. D. — Adventure? 

Craven — Don't tell me she has lost all zest for the 
game. 



In Search of Carolyn 13 

Mrs. D.— Carolyn? Adventure? 

Mr. D.- -Didn't know she was adventuresome. 

Craven — Oh, but she is; at least she was. I've 
thought since, it was that quality that made me like her 
best. Didn't know it then, but I've thought things over 
a bit since. 

Mr. D. — Well, you've got me. 

Mrs. D. — (pulling bell cord) You shall judge for 
yourself. It's time she came down. 

Craven — I am too prejudiced to judge her. 

(Enter Susan, rear door.) 

Mrs. D. — Tell Miss Carolyn to come down. 

(Susan goes upstairs.) 

(Suddenly Craven gets up and begins to pace the 
floor abstractedly.) 

Mr. D. — (patting his shoulder) What is it, my boy? 
Nervous? 

Mrs. D. — Nervous because he fears disappointment. 
Craven — Only for her. I — I think I'm a bit uglier 
than I was — if possible. 

Mr. D. — Nonsense! (He is enjoying himself.) 

Craven — I'd hate to have her think I was. 

Mrs. D. — (foolishly) You're wonderful! 

Mr. D. — (chuckling) There — and from a woman. 
What better encouragement can you ask? 

Craven — But, when a girl has a hundred choices, 
she isn't likely to pick a bird like me. Miss Carolyn's a 
winner! (Thoughtfully) And then I was something of 
a prune at Baden . 

Mr. D.— Ha, ha, ha! 

(Susan is seen hurrying down the stairs. She en- 
ters and goes straight to Mrs. D. and talks softly. Mrs. 
D. is seen to start. Mr. D. witnesses the scene with a 
scowl of irritation and Craven continues to pace the floor. 
At this moment, Colette, Carolyn's maid, bursts into the 
room.) 



14 In Search of Carolyn 

Colette — (ivringing her hands) She is gone! Ma- 
dam, she is gone! There is nothing — no words! Mon 
dieu, what shall I do? 

Mrs. D.— Hush! 

Colette — (running about in circles) You ask me to 
hush? How can I hush? She is gone — gone — gone! 

Mrs. D. — (to Craven) Pray forgive Colette. She 
is excited unnecessarily. (With ivonderful calmness) I 
will go up. 

Colette — Mon dieu. What will become of her? What 
will become of her? 

(Mrs. D. goes upstairs and Colette follows, wring- 
ing her hands and moaning:) How should I know she 
would do this thing? 

Craven— What's the matter? What is it all about? 

Mr. I). — These women. Because they fail to find her 
in a minute think she has run away. Carolyn — run 
away! Ha, ha! Shu is probably admiring herself in ev- 
ery mirror in the house. 

Craven — Jove! I don't blame her. 

(A shriek from Colette, and the sudden slam of a 
door.) 

Craven — Good heavens! Is the woman mad? 

Mr. D. — (walking to the foot of the stairs) It is 
only Colette! She shrieks at a mouse. (Comes doivn 
stage.) 

Craven — Fancy and such a blood-curdling shriek! 

Mr. D. — Did you have a good trip across? 

Craven — (smiling sheepishly) Sick, as usual. 
Haven't you noticed a greenish tinge about me? Then I 
was full of doubts, as the poets say. 

Mr. D.— Doubts? 

Craven — (nervously) I still have them. I wish she 
would come down. (Mr. D. chuckles.) Mr. Dawson, I 
know I ought to make a formal request for your daugh- 
ter's hand, if they do that sort of thing now. 



In Search of Carolyn 15 

Mr. D. — Are you making it? 

Craven — I am. I adored her four years ago and I 
adore her now. 

Mr. D. — My dear fellow, so far as I am concerned, 
your request is granted. Four years ago, I couldn't have 
said the same thing. If Carolyn wishes to marry you, 
you both have my blessing. 

Craven — I thank you, sir. (Glancing toward stairs) 
If only I were sure of her. (Mrs. D. is seen coming down 
stairs.) Here comes Mrs. Dawson. (With relief.) 

Mrs. U. — (with an unnatural calmness) Such a 
time! Dear me! But then you understand. 

Craven — Yes — yes, but where is she? 

Mrs. D. — (with feigned laughter) Now, hear him! 
Just like an impatient schoolboy. 

Craven — I thought I'd been rather patient. 

Mr. D. — Jove, he has. Come, Clarissa, where's Car- 
olyn? 

Mrs. D. — (Behind, the earl's back she raises her eye- 
brows in a warning that causes Mr. D. to subside.) My 
dear boy, I suppose you have been patient, but I shall 
have to ask you to be patient a little longer. 

Craven — (excitedly) What is it? 

Mrs. D. — Carolyn has been taken with a chill. 

Mr. D. — Taken with a chill! (The eyebroivs give an- 
other warning.) 

Mrs. p. — She won't be able to come down to dinner. 

Crave — (boyishly) I feared as much. I knew 
something would happen. 

Mrs. D. — (soothingly) There — there — don't be 
alarmed. Probably a slight cold. 

Mr. D. — Have you sent for the doctor? 

Mrs. D. — I have, for safety's safe. (With another 
lift of the eyebroivs.') It is nothing. Henry, take Lord 
Craven in the hothouses and soothe him. (Laughing.) 
I want him to see the roses. 



16 In Search of Carolyn 

Craven— (protesting) But I — 

Mr. D. — Come on. (Takes his arm.) If we can't 
show you one flower, we can another. (He. leads him, off, 
rear door.} 

(Immediately Mrs. D. goes to the bell cord and pulls 
it furiously. Enter Susan, door rear.) 

Mrs. D.~ (frantically) Call Mr. Dudley on the tel- 
ephone and tell him to come over at once. At once, Su- 
san! 

Susan — Yes, madam. (She goes off door rear. Mrs. 
D. gives an hysterical cry and buries her face in her 
hands. Susan returns by rear door.) 

Susan — Mr. Dudley has just now come in, madam. 

Mrs. D. — Show him in. (Susan goes off, rear door. 
Mrs. D. takes a crumpled note from her bosom and sobs 
over it.) 

(Enter Susan, rear door.) 
Susan — Mr. Dudley. 
(Enter Mr. Dudley, rear.) 

Mrs. D. — (running to him) Tom, it is dreadful! 
Shut the door — all the doors! Oh, Tom, what am I to do? 

(Tom shuts the door.) 

Tom — My dear Mrs. Dawson, what is it? (He is 
distressed for her.) 

Mrs. D. — (in a terrible voice) Carolyn has run 
away. • 

Tom — What do you mean? 

Mrs. D. — (thrusting the note in his hands) Read!! 
(He attempts to take it and she snatches it back.) Lis- 
ten: — Dear mother, (sobs) I don't think I want to mar- 
ry the Earl of Craven, as I remember him at Baden, and 
I do not want to disobey you, so I am running away. It 
seems best. Love, Carolyn, (sobs) Oh, Tom, help me. 
What shall I do? I cannot let him know. — He has come 
for dinner tonight. He was waiting here to see her 



In Search of Carolyn 17 

when I found out. — He has come from England to see 
her — We cannot let him know the truth of this — It 
— it would ruin the prospects. 

Tom — What did you tell him? 

Mrs. D. — I told him she was ill, but if we do not find 
her tonight — tomorrow? — Then what? 

Tom — She — she might be sick indefinitely until we 
do find her. 

Mrs. D. — But, who will find her? We cannot adver- 
tise. It must be kept secret. Above all things it must 
be kept secret. 

Tom — Yes — yes. 

Mrs. D. — (wailing) Oh. Tom, we must find her. He 
is in love with her — desperately in love with her. He in- 
tends to marry her. — Don't you understand? 

Tom — Yes — yes. 

Mrs. D. — Then do something — say something. 

Tom — But, what can I do? (Desperately.) 

Mrs. D. — You might go in search of her. You 
might — you might, for my sake, and — and — (weeps.) 

Tom — (at. the sight of tears) I will do anything. — 
(suddenly) But, good heavens, I don't know her. 

Mrs. D.— Oh! 

Tom — (innocently) I caught a fleeting glimpse of 
her yesterday, as I sat in the office. 

Mrs. D. — (alert) You caught a fleeting glimpse of 
her? 

Tom — Yes, I was writing, and when I looked up she 
stood there — (more to himself) but she vanished almost 
at once, and all I saw was a mass of golden hair and — 

Mrs. — D — Tom, I want you to promise me some- 
thing. (With a quick glance.) 

Tom— What is it? 

Mrs. D. — When you do find Carolyn you are not to 
fall in love with her. Oh, promise me — do promise me! 



18 In Search of Carolyn 

Tom — (conscientiously) That is a hard promise, 
Mrs. Dawson. The only thing I can say to comfort you 
is, that I have reached the age of thirty and never fallen 
in love yet. 

Mrs. D. — Oh, but Carolyn's different, and you've 
lived in India half your life. 

Tom — (worried) But, how can I promise? That 
is something one cannot promise. (She weeps.) Listen. 
I'll promise to bring Carolyn to you as soon as possible, 
after she is found, and then — 

Mrs. D. — Ah! — yes — before she has time to fall in 
love with you. (Tom laughs.) But, they do, Tom. They 
all fall in love with you and that is why I couldn't bear to 
have you see Carolyn. You'll promise to bring her 
straight to me? 

Tom — I promise. — Is the earl so — er — unattractive? 

Mrs. D. — No-o, but he's not like you, Tom. You — 
you are terrible. I've worried about Carolyn since the 
first day I met you. 

Tom — I'm sorry, but, after all, I'm rather a hard- 
hearted duffer. Have you an idea where she might hava 
gone? 

Mrs. D. — (in an awful whisper) Just the slightest. 
Listen! She has a fondness for painting. 

Tom— Ah ! 

Mrs. D. — By chance she has gone with the artists — 
to that terrible place — what is it called? — Greenwich Vil- 
lage! 

Tom — Ah, yes — Greenwich Village! 

Mrs. D. — (weeping) Oh, my darling! 

Tom — There — there — I'm sure no harm can come to 
her. 

Mrs. D. — It is — (very impressively) a den of cor- 
ruption ! 

Tom — Never ! 

Mrs. D. — (her arms about him) You will save her, 
won't you, Tom, and bring her to me, safe? Say you will. 



In Search of Carolyn 19 



Tom — (appreciating the situation) I will save her. 

Mrs. D. — (pacing the floor) Oh, Tom, I feel you 
will. — That dreadful place! She will cut her hair off! 

Tom — (amused in spite of the tragedy) It will 
grow again. 

Mrs. D. — But he must not see her. He — what would 
he think? 

Tom — If he loves her, he will not mind. 

Mrs. D. — (weeping) He does love her, yes, he does 
love her, Tom. I am sure of it. 

Tom — Of course he does. 

Mrs. D. — Oh, Tom! You are comforting. Do my 
eyes look red? 

Tom — (gallantly) Not at all. 

Mrs. D. — (dabbing at them) I shall call him in. I 
shall say something. — What I shall say I do not know — • 
but I shall tell him something. 

Tom — I'll go directly — the sooner the better. 

Mrs. D.— Ah, yes! The sooner the better — . My 
darling child. My poor Carolyn! 

Tom — Voici, the artist! Tom Dupre, lately of Paris! 
If Mistress Carolyn is in Greenwich Village, I shall find 
her. (Bowing low.) Adieu, Madame. Do not weep. 
(He goes off rear door with a flourish, and Mrs. D. feels 
better for having seen him. She goes to mirror and 
primps.) 

(Enter Craven and Mr. D., door right.) 
Craven — (going straight to Mrs. D.) What did he 
say — the doctor? 

Mrs. D. — My dear boy, she has a fever! Oh! (with 
a wail) she. may have to have her hair cut off! 

Mr. D. — (ivho unll not be put off any longer) Clar- 
issa, what do you mean? ^Starting to stairs.) I will go 
up! 

Mrs. D. — (detaining him gently but firmly) I 
wouldn't, Henry. She is asleep. The doctor has gone. 



20 In Search of Carolyn 

I have told you everything. It may be a matter of 
days — one can never tell. 

Craven — Horrible ! 

Mrs. D. — But you will keep up heart. (Helplessly) 
I shall need you, my boy, to lean upon. You — you will 
stay near us? 

Craven — Depend upon me. I couldn't do otherwise. 

Mrs. D. — Oh, you are wonderful! 

(Enter Susan.) 

SUSAN — Dinner is served. 

Craven — (offering his arm) Begin right now, Mrs. 
Dawson. Pray lean on me. 

MRS. D. — Thank you so much. I'm sure we can't 
any of us eat a thing. 

(They go off as the curtain falls.) 

CURTAIN 



ACT II. 

Time — Three days later. Evening. 

Scene — Finney Manners' studio. In the rear wall, 
center, a door leading into main corridor. In the right 
wall, center, door leading to another room. The room is 
sparsely furnished. Down stage, right, is a couch. Down 
stage left, a table tvith typewriter. In the upper lef% 
hand corner, a platform with a throne chair draped. In 
the left wall a cupboard filled with plates and edibles^ 
Chairs and easel complete the furnishings, and a tall 
stool. Discovered — Finney Manners seated dejectedly on 
the stool; Theodosia Lancaster typing. 

Theodosia — Finney, why don't you write? 
Finney — Can't. I'm in love. 
Theo— Yes, hopelessly in love. 



In Search of Carolyn 21 



Finney — That's right. Rub it in. 

Theo. — She'il never have you, Finney — never. She's 
not in sympathy with your ideas. 

Fin. — I haven't any ideas when she's around. 

Theo. — But you do have them, and she hears of 
them and she doesn't like them. She's not the girl for 
you, Finney, and you'd be desperately unhappy with her. 
Take the advice of one older than yourself. Little Lu- 
cile is in love with you. 

P'in. — I'm sorry for her. 

Theo. — Of course you are, and you're going to make 
her happy and not bother with Andria any more. 

Fin. — (ecstatically) Andria! 

Theo. — (rising) I know Andria's beautiful, but 
she doesn't love you, Finney, and you'll find out som.3 
day. 

Fin. — Do you think she loves (indicating room 
across the had) him? 

Theo — Dupre? (She tcalks over and sits on plat- 
form. ) 

Fin. — Yes. 

Theo — Perhaps. 

Fin. — He doesn't know beans. 

Theo. — Oh, Finney! 

Fin. — About art. I got him cornered the other night. 

Theo. — That was nasty of you. He's terribly hand- 
some. Mr. Kessler wanted him for a model. 

Fin.— Bah ! 

Theo. — Plave you seen any of his paintings? 

Fin. — Of course not. He hasn't any. 

(Enter, rear door, Andria Fay. She stops on the 
threshold. Theo and Finney admire her silently. One 
ahvays admires Andria.) 

Andria — Theo ! 

Theo.— Yes? 



22 In Search of Carolyn 



Andrta — I want to talk to you alone. 
Fin. — I suppose that means I'm to go. 
Andrta — If you please, Finney. 
Fin. — Just as you wish. 
Anuria — Thank you, Finney. 

(Exit Finney, rear door, and Andria runs to Theo 
and flings herself in her arms.) 

Andria — Oh, Theo, I'm desperately — hopelessly — in- 
curably in love. 

Theo. — Andria! (Andria weeps.) There — there, 
dear, tell Theo all about it. 

Andria — And he doesn't love me. 

Theo. — The cruel wretch. Who is he? 

Andria — (walking away from her, down stage) 
That mysterious artist, known as Tom Dupre, who does- 
n't paint, or sculpture, or write verse! 

Theo. — Oh, Andria! 

Andria — Don't say it in those hopeless tones or I 
shall die. Theo, I have never been in love before in all the 
twenty-three years of my life! 

Theo. — (gomg to her) Hush, dear. 

Andria— (sinking on the edge of the platform) He 
has the most wonderful eyes. 

Theo. — I know. 

Andria — And nose! 

Theo. — (nodding sadly) Yes. 

Andria — And chin! (Theo nods again) And the 
nicest voice. Why, Theo, he's a regular god. And he's 
so cruelly indifferent. 

Theo. — Rave you talked with him? (Sits beside 
Andria.) 

Andria — (in a melancholy voice) Once! 

Theo.— What did he say? 

Andria — (solemnly) He said — wonderful weather 
we're having. 



In Search of Carolyn 23 

Theo — That was nice. 

Andria — And safe. 

Theo — Yes, I'm afraid he's a wary chap. 

Andria — I've just got to talk with him. For four 
days now, 1 have watched him come in and out, and Theo 
— it's terribly exciting — I think he's watching me! 

Theo — Perhaps he's not so indifferent as you think. 

Andria — Oh, he doesn't admire me. I don't mean 
that. 

(There is a knock at the rear door.) 
Theo — Come in. 

(Enter Tom, clad in artist's gard, which only en- 
hances his good looks.) 

Tom — (stepping hack) I beg your pardon; I 
thought this was Mr. Manners' studio. 

Theo — (rising) It is. Won't you come in? 

Tom — (his eyes on Andria) Is Mr. Manners here? 

Theo — Not just at present, but I'll get him for you 
if you wish. 

Tom — That's mighty kind of you. I do want to see 
him. 

Theo — He's over at the theater, I think. (Starts to- 
ward* door rear.) 

Tom — Wait. That's some distance, isn't it? If 
you'll direct me — 

Theo — (laughing) Dear me; I couldn't. It's eas- 
ier to go for him, and I don't mind in the least. 

(Tom looks uneasily at Andria.) 

Theo — You're Mr. Dupre, are you not? 

Tom — I am. 

Theo — I'm Theo Lancaster and this is Andria Fay. 

(To?n boxes to each stiffly. Andria rises.) 

Andria — I'm sure Mr. Dupre will wait with me. 



24 In Search of Carolyn 

(Indicates throne chair.) Perhaps he'll take the throne 
and let me be his slave. 

Theo — (laughing) The setting is good. I'm afraid 
I'm going to miss a good deal. 

Andria. — Oh, no — only the first act and the second's 
always the best. 

Theo — But you must have a good beginning. (Exit 
rear door, slamming it behind her. Paiise, during which 
Tom. looks at her fixedly.) 

Tom — So you've cut your hair off. 

Andria — Yes. (She is outwardly calm.) 

Tom — She said you would. 

Andria — Who? 

Tom — Your mother. 

Andria- -You know my mother? 

Tom — Very well. 

Andria — That's strange. 

Tom — She said you'd come here, too. 

Andria — Here ? 

Tom — To Greenwich Village. 

Andria — Well, in spite of the age, a mother is some- 
times aware of her daughter's intentions. Won't you sit 
down? 

TOM — (ignoring the request) Why did you do it? 
(Andria raises her brows slightly.) Come here, I mean. 

Andria — To paint. 

Tom— Is that all? 

Andria — Quite. I presume you came for the same 
reason. 

Tom — Yes — er — 1 wanted atmosphere. 

Andria — That's the way I feel about it. Atmos- 
phere means a whole lot. 

Tom — But you shouldn't have gone away so — er — 
suddenly. 

Andria — (leaning against the stool) Shouldn't I? 



In Search of Carolyn 25 

Tom — No; it wasn't kind to your mother. 

ANDRJA — But it had to be sudden or not at all. I al- 
ways act on impulse and I'm seldom sorry for it after- 
ward. 

Tom — Your mother is terribly upset. 

Andria — I suppose so, but after all, she lived her 
life as she wanted to, and — why shouldn't I? 

TOM — Because the course she had planned for you 
is wiser. (He goes over to table.) 

Andria — That's what you think. I don't. 

Tom — You don't know. You didn't wait to find out. 

Andria — One can't wait indefinitely. 

Tom — But you only had a few minutes more. 

(She looks at him quickly.) 

Andria — I don't understand you. 

Tom — He had come before you left the house. 

Andria — (amazed) Who? 

Tom— The earl. 

Andria — The earl? 

Tom— Yes. 

Andria — Still, I don't understand you. 

Tom — Oh, yes you do. 

Andria — (wildly) I am sure there's a mistake some- 
where. 

Tom — Aren't you Carolyn Dawson? 

Andria — Carolyn Dawson? ( Suddenly, a light 
breaking) Is that why you have been watching me? 

Tom — Yes, and that's why you've been watching me. 

Andria — Oh, no, it isn't — not at all. 

Tom — It must be. 

Andria — Don't you think a person might like to 
watch you for any other reason? (Mischievously) Don't 
you? 



26 In Search of Carolyn 

Tom — And I am going to take you back to your 
mother. 

Andria — Indeed you are not. 

Tom — But I promised her. 

Andria — You never promised my mother. 

Tom — I should think you'd hate to worry her like 
this. 

Andria — I'm not worrying her. We had it out be- 
fore I left and now she's quite reconciled. 

Tom — But the earl — poor chap. 

Andria — If you persist in saying I'm Carolyn 
What's-her-name I shall have to use drastic measures. 

Tom — It would be so easy all around if you'd only 
be honest. Perhaps after you got home your mother 
would let you off from marrying him. 

Andria — (laughing) Oh, dear! Is he so terrible 
— this earl person? 

Tom — Don't you recall him at all? 

Andria — Naturally not. One doesn't remember 
persons one never has seen. 

Tom — I didn't have an idea it would be so hard — 

Andria — Um? 

Tom — — so hard, I say, getting you home. 
(Coming down stage.) You see, the trouble is, I'm weak- 
ening. I — I think you should live your own life. 

Andria — Everyone should. 

Tom — But I promised your mother. 

Andria — Mr. Dupre, won't you believe me when I 
tell you I'm not Carolyn — 

Tom — How can I believe you when there is every 
indication that you are? 

Andria — And what are the indications, pray? 

Tom — (shyly) Blonde — beautiful — a talent for 
painting, and bobbed hair! 

Andria— Oh ! 



In Search of Carolyn 27 



Tom — (going to her) Now, will you let me take you 
back to your mother? 

Andria — You are an unusual man! 

Tom — Will you? 

Andrja — Look at me. Come here. (He goes nearer) 
Now look straight into my eyes. 

Tom — (turning away) No! 

Andria — Why? 

Tom — (coming down stage) I'm afraid. 

Andria — Afraid you'll discover I'm telling the 
truth? 

Tom— No. 

Andria — Afraid of what? 

Tom— Of you, 

Andria — But what can I do to make you believe me ? 

Tom — I don't know. (Going back to her.) I'd like 
to believe yon. 

Andria — That's a help. 

Tom — I'd feel a lot happier. 

Andria — Don't you want to find Carolyn? 

Tom — Oh, yes. 

Andria — Then ? 

Tom — (suddenly) I don't want to fall in love with 
her. 

Andria — (taken back) Oh! 

Tom — You see, I promised her mother I wouldn't. 
It's rather a mess, isn't it ? 

Andria — It is. (Pause.) 

Andria — And if she falls in love with you? 

Tom — She isn't to do that either. 

Andria — Oh, indeed! 

Tom — Not that she would. 

Andria — Oh, I don't know; she might. 

Tom — Not with an earl for a possible husband. 



28 In Search of Carolyn 



Andria — You have rather a poor opinion of women. 

Tom — Oh, no, I haven't. Not a bit, but an earl is an 
earl and we are all more or less ambitious. 

Andria — (thoughtfully) Yes, an earl is an earl! 

Tom — I'm sure he loves you. 

Andria — Who? 

Tom— The earl. 

Andria — (impatient with it all) Oh, dear! 

Tom — And he's probably an awfully good sort — and 
it would please your mother and your dad — and be rather 
fine all around. 

Andria — How beautifully you plead another man's 
cause. 

Tom — Perhaps because I haven't a cause of my own. 

Andria — But you ought to have. 

Tom— (abstractedly) Yes. 

Andria— -Haven't you ever been in love? 

Tom — No-o. 

Andria — I suppose you've always been told you 
mustn't. (Sarcasm.) 

Tom — (stiffly) This is the only instance. 

Andria. — (wickedly) Do you always do what's told 
you? 

Tom — (getting nervous) I try to. 

Andria — Whether it's the thing or not? 

Tom — I suppose it is the thing in this case. Fall- 
ing in love with another man's girl is a bad policy. 

Andria — But this poor Carolyn, evidently she's not 
in love with the earl or she would never have run away. 

Tom — She doesn't know whether she is or not, and I 
don't believe in breaking up even embryo love affairs. 

Andria — You are sweet. — But one cannot always 
direct his affections. 

Tom — (earnestly) No — worse luck! 



In Search of Carolyn 29 

(Theo, folloived by Finney, bursts in door rear.) 

Theo — (pushing Finney forward) I've fetched him. 
Behold the admirable verse maker, Finney Manners, 
whose poems grace all the leading magazines when he 
writes them. 

Fin. — (to Tom) How do you do, sir? (He is not 
too cordial.) 

Tom — (stiffly) How do you do? 

Theo — Come Andria! 

Andria — (going to Tom) Good night, Mr. Dupre. 
I hope you find Carolyn. 

Tom — I intend to return her to her mother before 
morning. Good night. 

(Exeunt Theo and Andria, rear door.) 

Tom — (desperately, after door is closed) Who is 
that person? 

Fin. — (banteringly) Which person? 

Tom — That girl with the bobbed hair. 

Fin. — Both have bobbed hair. 

Tom — Oh, has the other one bobbed hair, too? 

Fin. — What other one? 

Tom — Look here, you've got to help me out. That 
girl who calls herself Andria is someone else. (Tom gets 
excited.) 

Fin. — Indeed? Be careful what you say about that 
girl. 

Tom — She's Carolyn Dawson and her mother wants 
her home, and I've come to fetch her. 

Fin. — She'll never go. 

Tom — She's got to go. I tell you, she's got to go 
tonight. 

Fin — But what right have you? 

Tom — (interrupting) The right of a family friend. 

Fin.— Oh. 

Tom — Will you help me? 



30 In Search of Carolyn 

Fin. — I'd rather not. You see, I'm not partial to 
her going. I much prefer she stays here. 

Tom — But what right have you — 

Fin. — The right of a suitor. 

Tom — Good lord! 

Fin. —Well, why not? 

Tom — Because she's already pledged to the Earl of 
Craven. 

Fin.— WHAT ! 

Tom — He is waiting to marry her. 

Fin. — Andria ! 

Tom — Carolyn! My dear boy, she has been fooling 
you. ^he has known all along she would some time return 
to him. 

{Pause while Finney thinks things over.) 

FlN. — Huh! — (grinding his teeth) What do you 
want me to do. — What do you want me to do? 

Tom — (coming close) I want you to help me to steal 
her tonight, and get her in a taxi and home. 

Fin. — Ah! (He smells revenge.) 

Tom — Invite her here with that other one. 

Fin.— Ah ! 

Tom — We'll have a little supper by candle light. 

Fin.— Ah! 

Tom— Suddenly — 

Fin. — (getting the spirit of the thing) — the can- 
dles will go out. That's the signal. I'll fling a cloak over 
her head — you'll bind her hands and feet, and we'll take 
her — 

TOM: — (getting excited in turn) — to the waiting 
taxi. 

Fin. — Exactly. 

Tom — (consulting his watch) It's nine o'clock. I'll 
go to my room. Get them here, and I'll come back in a 
few minutes. (At door.) 



In Search of Carolyn 31 



Fin.— They'll come, all right. Theo's using my type- 
writer. I'll go with you to get the cloak. We'll leave the 
door open. (Opens it.) 

Tom — You're sure they'll come. 
Yin. — Yes, as soon as they see the room is empty. 
(Tom and Finney go out rear door, leaving it open.) 
(The stage is empty for only a moment before Theo, 
followed by Andria, appears at door.) 

Theo— (calling) Finney? (She ivaits. There is 
no answer.) He's gone. Well! (She goes to machine 
and sits.) 

Andria— He's bad lately. He ought to get to work. 
Those last royalties were his undoing. 

Theo— (laughing) Royalties? My dear, it ? s not 
royalties. He's in love with you. 

Andria — (climbing to throne) I know he is, and I 
never could appreciate how miserable he is until now. 

T HE 0— (meditating on the keys of the typewriter) 
Finney thinks Dupre's in love with you. 
Andria — Why should he think so? 
(Enter Finney, rear door, carrying a cape rolled in- 
to a ball.) 

Ym.— (closing door behind him and dropping the 
ball casually) What do you two say to a little supper by 
candle light? 

Andria— Good heavens, Finney— no! I don't feel a 
bit like eating. 

Yin.— (fiendishly) That's a pity, for I've invited 
Dupre to partake, but I suppose Theo and I could do the 
honors. 

Andria— Oh, well, I won't be unsociable. I can 
manage to swallow something. 

Theo— That's the girl. Stay and make yourself use- 
ful. You might set the table while I'm finishing this. 
(She types.) 



32 In Search of Carolyn 

Andria — I will. (Rues and goes to cupboard.) 

Fin. — (going for table) I'll put it by the door. 

Andria — By the door? What's the idea? 

Fin. — Well — er — the light, etc. (Takes table.) 

Theo — (stops work) For heaven's sake, Finney, I 
always knew you were cranky, but this is the limit ! 

Andria — (attempting to take table from him) Of 
course, he is, and he ought not to be catered to. 

Fin. — (pulling away from her) I say that table has 
got to go over by the door. 

Andria — Well, of all things! 

(Finney places it and takes two candles from his 
pocket, lights them and sets them on the table.) 

Fin. — There — I'll have my way once in a while. 

Andria — (ivho has been fumbling in the cupboard) 
Where are the things? 

Fin. — In the cupboard. ( While Andria is poking her 
head into the remote recesses of the cupboard and Theo 
is busy typing, Finney takes the cape and places in an 
inconspicuous spot under the table.) Find anything? 
There's cake and some ham, and — 

Andria — (taking things out) Sure enough. What 
a nice lunch, Finney. I'm glad I came. 

Fin. — Thought you said you weren't hungry. 

Andria — (setting table) Did I? — What are we go- 
ing to have to drink? 

Fin. — Good lord! I'll have to go out and get some- 
thing. 

Theo — (rising) I'll go with you. I need some air 
to give me an appetite. 

Fin.— What will I get? 

Andria — Get some fruit punch. 

Theo — (to Finney) Money enough? 

Fin. — For once, yes — come on. 

(Exeunt Theo and Finney, door rear.) 



In Search of Carolyn 33 



Andria continues to set the table. After a short 
time, the door opens and Tow, enters.) 

Tom — (starting back) I beg your pardon. Am I 
early ? 

Andria — Oh, no. Come in. The others will be back 
directly. 

Tom — Perhaps I'd better go. 

Andria — I suppose you still think I am Carolyn of 
the earl's choice. 

Tom — I'm afraid I do. 

Andria — And that you'll fall in love with me? 

Tom — Exactly. 

Andria — (going to him) Suppose, just while they're 
gone, you don't think that. Suppose (ivistfully) you 
think I'm what I am truly — just Andria Fay, the daugh- 
ter of a poor artist. — Will you? 

Tom — I can't. 

Andria — Yes you can, and when they come back you 
may think as you please. 

Tom — It would lead to complications. 

Andria — How? 

Tom— I—I— 

Andria — Yes ? 

Tom — I might actually fall in love, you know. 

Andria — Oh ! (Pause.) 

Tom — And I couldn't have you. 

Andria — You could if I were Andria Fay — and I 
am. 

Tom — Jove! I wish you were! (The exclamation is 
genuine.) 

Andria — You do! You wish I were Andria! Oh, it 
is too wonderful ! 

Tom — (coming down stage) If you are Andria — if 
by any chance you are Andria — do you mean what you 
just said? 



34 In Search of Carolyn 



Andria — Yes — but I expect a decent proposal. 

Tom — Of course. 

Andria — Then make it. 

Tom — (solemnly, because he is very much in ear' 
nest) Andria, I love you. Will you be my wife? 

Andria — (touched) That's superb. 

Tom — But your answer? 

Andria — Yes, Tom, I will. (Pause.) By rights we 
should seal it with a kiss. 

Tom — Should we? (He comes forward and they 
are about to kiss when Tom draws away.) 

Andria — What is it? 

Tom — (with a groan) I can't kiss you. I love you. 

(They stand facing each other as if bewitched when 
Theo and Finney come in.) 

Theo — Void the punch. (Finney places it on the 
table.) Are we ready? 

Fin. — (suspiciously) Ought to be. 

Andria — (glad to think of something) The glasses. 
(Runs to cupboard.) 

Fin. — Are there enough? 

Andria — (pulling them out) One — two — three — 

Fin. — There's one in the other room. (He goes off 
door right.) 

Theo — (sitting at table) I believe I'm hungry. 

Andria — You always are. (Tom goes over to An- 
dria, by, the cupboard.) 

Theo — Well, I'm a healthy young animal, as the 
poets say. 

Andria — (softly, to Tom) I wish you weren't so 
conscientious — Tommy! — and I wish you'd believe what 
a girl says. 

Tom — (regarding her sadly) I wish I could. 
Andria — Think of the good time we'd be having. 
This might be the celebration of our engagement. 



In Search of Carolyn 35 



(Enter Finney with glass.) 

Fin. (going to table) Come on. The lost goblet 

is found. (Switches off electric light.) 

(Theo pours the punch and the rest gather around 
and sit.) 

Theo— Who's going to tell his life history tonight? 
Fin. Not I. I've already told mine with varia- 
tions. 

Theo— You will, Mr. Dupre. 

Tom— Oh, mine is the set grey life and apathetic 
end. 

Theo Very well. Then Andria shall tell her story 

about drowning. 
Fin.— Shoot. 

Andria— (dre a mily) It was on the shores of Cape 
Ann— on that grand old beach known as Wingsersheek. 

(All this is said as if rehearsed many times. Tom 
watches Andria as if bewitched.) 
Fin. — Weird name. 
Andria— Isn't it? I was all alone! 
Theo — Dangerous. 

Andria— So I learned. I got out beyond my depth ! 
Fin. — The undertow is strong. 

Andria— Very. A big wave came. I think it must 
have been the ninth. 
Theo — Probably. 
Andria — I went under. 
Fin. — You went over — your life's history. 
Andria— Exactly— I struggled— then all was a 
blank. 

Fin. — Oh — a blank! 

Andria— I was on the beach. There was a crowd. 
A short, dark, middleaged man stood over me. He had 
saved my life! 



36 In Search of Carolyn 

Fin. — You loved him ! 

Andria — No-o. I was grateful to him. 

Theo — Naturally. 

Andria — I wanted to do something in return. One 
feels wonderfully sweet in those first moments of re- 
gaining consciousness — 

Theo — He laughed at you? 

Andria — Exactly. — I insisted that he ask of me 
something. 

Theo — He said, "some day — " 

Andria — I said, "within reason — " 

Theo — He said, "very well — : " 

Andria — I never saw him again. 

Fin. — That was four years ago. 

Andria— That is all. (Pause.) (To Tom.) What 
do you think of my story? 

Tom — Thrilling! — And suppose you do see him 
again, and he — 

Andria — Oh, I shall do what he asks, if it is within 
reason. 

Tom — It's all according to what you consider within 
reason. 

Andria — Many things! 

Fin. — I say we're a jolly company. Let's have a 
toast. 

Theo — A toast! 

(They jump up mid in the excitement Finney man- 
ages to put out the candles and they are in total dark- 
ness. There is a scramble, a scuffling, the falling of a 
chair and broken glasses, then Andria screams.) 

Tom— Got her? 

Fin.— -Almost. (Another scuffle.) 

Andria — Stop ! Stop ! 

Theo — Police! Andria! Help! Police! 



In Search of Carolyn 37 

(More scuffles and muttered directions, then door at 
rear bursts open and Carolyn Dawson, a lighted candle 
in her hand, appears on the threshold.) 

Car. — (at the sight) Oh — oh — oh — oh — 

Tom — Who are you? 

Fin. — Make way there. (To Car.) 

Car. — I am Carolyn Dawson. Oh, what is this place? 
Wh-at — (She faints, and as she falls the candle is 
somehow snuffed out, and they are in darkness again.) 

Fin. — She's fainted — that girl. 

Tom — Put on the lights. (Theo runs to the switch 
and turns on the lights and the group is revealed. Car- 
olyn, a crumpled mass on the floor, Andria struggling to 
get the cape off her head and the rest much excited.) 

Tom — (going immediately to Andria) I'm sorry 
Andria, deucedly sorry. (Removes the cape.) What can 
I do? 

(Finney and, Theo pick up Carolyn and take her to 
the couch and administer to her.) 

Andria — I forgive you, Tom. 

Tom — But you hate me. 

Andria — No, I don't hate you. 

Tom — You are indifferent and that is worse. I had 
to do it. It was the only way. Say you think so. 

Andria — You haven't even looked at Carolyn. 

Tom — Tell me — do you mean what you said to me — 
here, alone, before the others came back — do you? 

Andria — How stern you are! 

Tom — Do you? 

Andria — (teasingly) I — I think I was playing. 

Tom — (desperately) You had no business to play 
with me. I love you. 

Andria — And I love you — Tom! 

(She is about to go into his outstretched arms when 
Carolyn suddenly comes to life.) 



38 In Search of Carolyn 

Car. — (sitting up) Tom — oh, Tom! (She holds 
out her nands to him. Tom is surprisea to say the least, 
and the rest stand about, amazed) Please, Tom, I've been 
looking everywhere for you. (Her lip quivers. Tom. goes 
to her. Andria is transfixed.) 

Tom — What is it? 

Car. — I'm so happy. (Pulling him to her.) I've 
been terribly lonesome. (She nestles close to him and 
Tom is obliged to put an arm about her to keep her from 
falling.) Just terribly lonesome, Tom! 

(At this, Andria turns and goes from the room, 
slamming the door after her.) 

Tom — I don't understand. 

(At this point Theo beckons Finney and they steal 
off after Andria.) 

Car. — You are Tom, aren't you? 

Tom — (grimly) I am. 

Car. — (snuggling into his coat) Oh! Has he gone 
— the earl ? 

Tom— No ! 

Car.— Oh ! 

Tom — Don't j^ou think you can sit up now like a 
good girl? 

Car. — (drearily) No. — Are they terribly angry 
with me? 

Tom — They love you too much for that. 

Car. — And they still expect me to marry him? 

Tom — I'm afraid so. 

Car.- — (sitting up straight) Then I refuse to go 
home. 

Tom — (rising) You must go home. 

Car. — I won't go home, (she rises.) 

Tom — Then I shall have to compel you. 

Car. — Oh, please, how can you be so cruel? How 
would you like to be made to marry someone you didn't 
care for in the least? 



In Search of Carolyn 39 

Tom — (unreasonably) I'd marry him! 

Car. — Oh! (She weeps.) 

TOM — Think of your mother and the anxiety you are 
causing her. 

Car. — I don't care! (Stamps foot.) 

Tom — (peremptorily) Come. 

Car. — (fairly shrieking) I shan't. 

Tom — What can I do to make you? 

Car. — Nothing, as long as he is there. 

Tom — So you absolutely refuse to marry the earl? 

Car.— I do! 

Tom — Then, suppose we go home and tell them so. 

Car. — No-o. (Cautiously.) They might inveigle me 
into it. — There is only one way. 

Tom— Yes? 

Car. — Tell them that you and I are engaged. (Tom 
groans.) Of course, we aren't really, but just until he 
sails back home and I am safe. 

Tom — I can't do it. 

Car. — (stubbornly) Very well, I sha'n't go home. 
(She starts for door.) 

Tom — Where are you going? 

Car. — Away — anywhere. Good-by. Remember — 
(with a sob) you might have saved me from this. 

Tom— Come here! 

Car. — Are you going to do as I say? 

Tom — I suppose I must. (Goes to door rear.) 

Tom — Andria ! Andria ! 

(Andria comes to door.) 

Andria — Yes, Mr. Dupre. 

Tom — Will you believe me if I tell you the wildest 
kind of a story and — still have faith in me? 

Andria — No!! (She turns and goes once more, 
slamming the door after her.) 



40 In Search of Carolyn 



Tom — {agonized) Andria! (Starts after her.) 

Car. — (excited) If you go another step, I shall run 
away and never come home. (Stamps her foot. He 
turns and looks at her, then holding out his hand, speaks 
kindly:') 

Tom — Come. 

Car. — (drawing back) We are engaged — remem- 
ber ! until — 

Tom — Yes — we are engaged — (ivith a groan.) 

(She goes out rear door first, and he follows after 
her as the curtain falls.) 



CURTAIN 



ACT III. 

Time — Late afternoon of the next day. 
Scene — Same as Act I. 

Discovered — Carolyn in the depths of a chair, with 
Mrs. Dawson bending over her. 

Car. — Oh, mummy, it's so good to be home. I was 
terribly afraid! There was a big black man — the hus- 
band of — 

Mrs. D. — (soothingly) There — there, dear, don't re- 
call it. You're home now, and you're never going away 
again. 

Car. — And I'm not going to marry the earl unless I 
really want to. 

Mrs. D. — (quickly) No! 

Car. — And I am to see how he takes his tea before I 
judge? 

Mrs. D. — Yes. 



In Search of Carolyn 41 

Car. — Then, there's only one thing that troubles 
me. 

Mrs. D. — What is it, dearie? 

Car. — Tom! — I'm afraid that girl will never for- 
give him, and he does love her awfully. — We must find 
a way to help him. 

Mrs. D. — We will, honey. 

Car. — Do you know, mummy, I think it would be 
miserable to be married to Tom. He's so handsome, and 
all the women fall in love with him. — It wouldn't be a 
very comfortable feeling to be married to Tom, would it, 
mummy? 

Mrs. D. — (here is her chance) No, dear. I have al- 
ways said give me a plain man and a life of peace. 

Car. — He's a dear and all that, but — {with a sigh) 
I've learned a lot these last days. 

Mrs. D. — My darling! 

Car. — Will you make daddy fix things up bteween 
Tom and that girl? 

Mrs. D.— I will, honey. 

(Enter Sttsan.) 

Susan — The earl, madam. 

Car. — Oh! (She starts to rise.) 

Mrs. D. — (holding Car. back.) Show him in, Su- 
san. (Susan goes off.) 

Car. — I'm frightened, mummy. 

Mrs. D. — (soothingly) Hush, dearie. Sit down. 
Remember, you are an invalid. (She fusses over her a 
bit, although Carolyn is quite perfect.) 

(Enter Craven. Mrs. D. goes forward to meet him.) 

Craven — She has come down? 

Mrs. D. — Yes, she is here. (She leads him ceremon- 
iosuly to Carolyn, who extends her hand and smiles gen- 
tly.) 



42 In Search of Carolyn 

Craven — (taking her hand) This is the happiest 
moment of my life. 

(For a second only, Carolyn scrutinizes him while 
Mrs. D. holds her breath.) 

Car. — (at last) Why, I shouldn't have known you. 
You are so different. 

Craven — I am sure that is the best compliment you 
could pay me. 

Mrs. D. — You may know it is sincere. Sit down. 

Craven — Your mother and I have been the best of 
pals. 

Mrs. D. — (taking her stand back of Carolyn's chair) 
— Companions in misery. Do you think she looks like a 
convalescent? 

Craven — No-o. A little weariness about the eyes, 
perhaps, but that is always becoming. 

Car. — I've been through a lot these last days. 

Craven — (sympathetically) A terrible thing, to be 
shut up in one room with only a wall to meditate on. 

Mrs. D. — (quickly) But it's all over now, and she'll 
be herself in a day or two. (To Craven.) You'll excuse 
me? I have some telephoning. 

Craven — Certainly. 

(Mrs. D. starts toward door and turns back.) 

Mrs. D. — Of course you'll stay to dinner? 

Craven— (to Car.) May I? 

Car. — Of course. 

Mrs. D.— There! (To Craven.) Take good care of 
her. 

Craven — Depend upon it. (Exit Mrs. D., door R.) 
Your mother is quite another person. She was fear- 
fully upset last week. 

Car. — I suppose so. (He draws up a chair and sits.) 
Things were rather upsetting. 

Craven — I'm glad you didn't have to cut your hair. 



In Search of Carolyn 43 

Car. — Are you? 

Craven — It's beautiful hair, (boyishly) I always 
remember it as a kind of halo. 

Car.— Really? 

Craven — (not losing any time) Do you recall that 
summer at Baden? 

Car. — Oh, yes, perfectly. Mother was so sweet. She 
Jet me do just as I liked. 

Craven — Remember the day we went hiking and you 
lost your hat on the edge of a precipice? 

Car. — (getting excited) Yes, and you wanted to 
climb down and get it, and I was afraid to have you. — 1 
wouldn't be afraid to have you now. 

Craven — No? 

Car. — I am quite sure you could get down and back 
safely. 

Craven — (laughing) That's encouraging. You do 
think I've changed, don't you? 

Car. — You are so much — nicer! 

(Enter Susan door rear, with tea wagon, and wheels 
it to them.) 

Car. — Of course you look about the same. 

Craven — Unfortunately. 

Car. — No — I don't say unfortunately. I like homely 
men! 

Craven — Thank you. You haven't changed. 

Car. — Oh, dear, how stupid! 

Craven — In appearance, I mean. 

Car. — (to Susan) I'll serve, Susan. That is all. 

(Exit Susan, rear door.) 

Car. — I don't know whether that's a compliment or 
not. 

Craven — It is. 

Car. — (pouring tea) You like tea, don't you? All 
Englishmen do. 



44 In Search of Carolyn 

Craven — Very much. 

Car. — I hope I've changed in other ways. I'm quite 
sure I have or I shouldn't like you as you are now — for 
I did like you at Baden, remember? 

Craven — But you have only seen me a few minutes. 

Car. — (passing him his tea) I knew you had 
changed when you entered the room. (She watches him 
closely as he drinks his tea. It is the last test. However, 
he drinks it as any other man would, and she gives a sigh 
of relief and sips her oivn.) 

Craven — (setting down his cup) I came to Amer- 
ica for the express purpose of seeing you. 

Car. — Oh, I never had a man do all that because of 
me. I am thrilled. 

Craven — I would have gone around the world and 
visited Mars in search of you ! 

Car.— Oh ! 

Craven — I've thought of you a whole lot during 
these last years. 

Car. — Have you? You've been in the midst of 
things, too. 

Craven — I have, a bit. I had you married a dozen 
times. I had you a Red Cross nurse, and then I dismissed 
the idea because you were too young. Once I thought I 
saw you in London. 

Car. — No, you didn't. I was a stupid stay-at-home 
during the war. 

Craven — I'm glad. 

Car.-- Why? 

Craven-— If you had gone across, you would have 
married. 

Car. — (dreamily) Perhaps. 

Craven — I shouldn't have liked that. 

Car. — How did you know I wasn't married? 

Craven — I didn't. I took a chance. Then, when I 
reached New York, I telephoned your mother. 



In Search of Carolyn 45 

Car. — Yes. {She has memories of that.) 

Craven — She invited me out. 

Car. — Yes. 

Craven — I came, and then I didn't see you! 

Car. — {scarcely audible) No. 

Craven — It was deucedly disappointing, but your 
mother was kind to me and your father. I felt they 
liked me. 

Car. — And so you were comfortable. 

Craven— No, I wasn't. — There was you, the most 
important one of all. 

Car. — Oh! {sinking deeper into the chair.) 

Craven — I'm awfully in love with you — have been 
ever since I met you. I'd like to take you back to Eng- 
land as my wife. 

Car. — {not meaning it) I'm afraid I'd be homesick. 
You see, I've never been away from mother and dad. 

Craven — I wouldn't let you be homesick. 

Car. — Would you let me do whatever I liked? 

(Whimsically.) 

Craven — Exactly. 

Car. — Have you a nice country house? 

Craven— {smiling) Grand' 

Car. — Horses ? 

Craven — Horses. 

Car.— Dogs? 

Craven — Dogs. 

Car. — And I v/ouldn't have 10 attend stupid parties? 

Craven — No. 

Car. — And I could hav? house parties of jolly peo- 
ple? 

Craven — As many as you wished. 

Car. — I think I'd like to be Lady C**aver. It sounds 
terribly interesting. 



46 In Search of Carolyn 

Cram.n — It does to me. ■ Suddenly she jumps up 

and runs to sit on the arm of Ji\s chair) 

Car. --You are a dear. ani ! f do lile you immensely;! 
(She kisses him, quickly on thp. lop of the head. He at- 
tempts to catch her, but she darts away.) Not here! Not 
now! I've some things to straighten out first. — Will 
you go to dad in the den? 

Craven — (rising) I suppose I'll have to. 

Car. — That's a good boy. Tom Dudley's with him, 
and I wish you'd send him in to me. 

Craven — I will; but be quick with the interview. 
Tom's a deucedly handsome chap. 

Car. — (pointing a finger at him) Jealous! 

(Exit Craven, rear door, and Carolyn runs to the 
mirror to arrange her hair, humming all the while.) 

(Enter Tom, rear door.) 

Tom — Have you accepted him? 

Car. — (running to him) I have. You need never 
give me another thought, Tommy. — Aren't you going 
to cangratulate me? 

Tom — (gallantly) I am. (shaking hands with her.) 
He's a mighty decent fellow. I wish you all happiness. 
— And your mother? 

Car. — She doesn't know yet. — Poor mamma! 

Tom — Not now. Her ambition is realized. 

Car. — Isn't it wonderful to have everything so hap- 
py all around? 

Tom — (moodily) Yes. 

Car. — Now, there's dad. He's happy, too, and I'm 
happy, and — (suddenly) Oh, Tommy, forgive me, I 
forgot. 

Tom — I forgive you. 

Car. — Did you go to the studio? 

Tom— I did. 

Car. — And she wouldn't listen to you? 



In Search of Carolyn 47 



Tom — She wouldn't see me. 

Car. — She's heartless. — Do you think it would do 
any good if I went? 

Tom — It might. 

Car. — Suppose I sent for her to come here? 

Tom — She wouldn't come. 

Car. — She might, (pulls bell cord.) I'll write a 
note telling her I must see her and that I am unable to 
go to her. (She goes to table, takes paper, etc.) She 
won't think she's going to see you. And after we get her 
here — 

Tom — No — no — 

(Enter Susan, door rear.) 

Car. — Just a minute, Susan. (She sits and torites 
rapidly, while Tom paces the floor.) 

Car. — (folding note) Have this sent to the address 
right away, Susan. 

Susan — Yes, miss. (Takes note. Exit door rear.) 

Tom — What did you say? 

Car. — I just begged her to come. She will come, 
Tommy. I feel sure she will, and we won't let her out of 
the house until she has forgiven you. 

Tom — I wish I felt as optimistic about the thing as 
you do. 

Car. — Haven't you had any lunch? 

Tom — No; I don't care for any. 

Car. — Don't you want any dinner? 

Tom— No. 

Car. — ( worried) But, Tommy, you must eat. 
(Thoughtfidly.) Funny, isn't it? I don't want any din- 
ner, either. I'm too happy to eat, and you're too unhap- 
py. (Going to door.) I'll send dad to you. — Or, per- 
haps you'd rather be alone. — Would you, Tommy, rath- 
er be alone? 

Tom — I don't care. 



48 In S earch of Carolyn 

Car. — {yioiv really concerned) I don't think you 
ought to be alone. You act just like those heroes in 
novels, and I'm afraid you have a dreadful revolver con- 
cealed in your pocket. I'm going to send dad right in. 

(She goes out door rear, after a backward glance of 
concern for Tom. A second later Mr. D. enters and looks 
at Tom fixedly.) 

Tom— Well? 

Mr. D. — Tom, old boy, we've got to do something 
about this affair. I don't like to see such despair on a 
youthful countenance. Can't we hatch up a scheme 
whereby this cruel female can be made to see the light? 

Tom — You can't blame her. 

Mr. D. — No — I suppose not. She must think you a 
kind of nut. 

Tom — Exactly. 

Mr. D. — And you did it for us. Old boy, I'd do any- 
thing to make amends. Can't she be brought here by 
main force? 

Tom — Carolyn has sent for her. Perhaps she'll 
come. 

Mr. D. — (following Tom about close at his heels) 
If she don't I'll go after her. 

(Enter, door right, Carolyn and Craven.) 

Car. — (going to Tom) I've sent the car for her. It 
seemed the quicker way. 

Tom — I don't think she'll come. 

Craven — (whose thoughts are elsewhere) Has 
your mother come down? 

Car. — No. 

Craven — (signalling to Car.) Shall we — ? 

Car. — No — no — no! Wait for mamma. She'll be 
down presently. 

Craven — Just as you wish. (He hums a tune. He is 
so happy he can't help it. Tom glowers at him.) 



In Search of Carolyn 49 

Car. — Oh, dad, isn't it wonderful to be so happy? 
Mr. D. — Ah, my dear, it is. {With great eloquence.) 
Car. — {regarding Tom with deepest pity) Arthur? 
Craven — Yes. 

{Tom continues to pace, but Mr. D. has stopped.) 

Car. — Are all artists temperamental? 

Craven — They say so. 

Car. — {her eyes still on Tom) Is it nice to be tem- 
peramental ? 

Craven — Er — it's tolerable, when one is a genius. 

Car. — But sometimes isn't temperament a good part 
temper? 

Craven — Yes. 

Car. — Is it hard to deal with temperament? 
Craven — Very. 

Car. — (with a smug little sigh) I'm glad I haven't 
got it. 

(Enter Mrs. D., door rear. She is fearful, of course. 
She has spent an awful half hour of doubt, but she takes' 
the situation in at a glance and becomes buoyant.) 

Mrs. D. — {going to her daughter and kissing her) 
Sweetie! {Turning.) Hulloa, Tom. 
Car. — {signalling Craven) Now. 

(Unexpectedly Craven is seized with embarrass- 
ment.) 

Craven — Er — I — we — 

Car. — {laughing gayly) Why, he's actually embar- 
rassed. {Goes to him and takes his arm.) I believe I 
like you embarrassed. {Whispers to him.) Shall I say 
it? 

Tom — (sarcastically) I don't think it's necessary 
to say anything. 

Mrs. D. — (fairly pouncing on her daughter) You're 



50 In Search of Carolyn 



going to marry him. Daddy ! Daddy ! Oh, my darling 
honey girl! 

Mr. D. — (coming forward) Going to forsake your 
old dad, are you? 

(Carolyn is passed from one loving parent to the 
other.) 

Car. — (weeping a little) But, Daddy, you're com- 
ing to see us most of the time. I wouldn't marry him if 
you weren't. 

Mr. J).— (patting her) That's it. That's the girl. 

Mrs. D. — (turning to Craven) My son! My dear 
boy. 

Car. — (breaking aivay from the group and dancing 
down stage) And I'm going to have the nicest wedding, 
with bridesmaids, flower-girls and pages. 

Mr. D. — Whew! 

Car. — And, oh, mummy, come in the library. I've 
something to show you. (Catches her mother and leads 
her to door right.) And daddy, too. Come! 

Mrs. D. — (fluttering) Dear me! Such surprises! 

Car. — Come, dad. Oh, it's wonderful. You'll be as- 
tounded ! 

Mr. D.— Whew! 

(They go out door rear, a happy laughing group, 
quite forgetful of poor Tom. Tom comes forward and 
sinks into a chair, moodily takes out a cigarette and for- 
gets to light it.) 

(Susan admits Andria by door rear. She comes well 
into the room before she sees Tom. Exit Susan.) 

Andria — (in a loiv voice) Oh, it's you! (turns as 
if to go.) 

Tom — Andria — please ! 

Andria — Where is Miss Dawson? 

Tom — She will be in presently. Won't you sit down? 



In Search of Carolyn 51 



Andria— And wait with you? Never! {She starts 
to door.) 

(Tom rushes ahead and shuts the door and stands, 
his back against it.) 

Tom — You are not going. 
Andria — I shall scream. 

Tom — Very well. They will not help you. They think 
as I do, that you should at least hear an explanation. 

Andria — Explanation? What can an explanation 
mean now? 

Tom — You are unreasonable. 

Andria — You are deceitful. 

Tom — No — I am not and you wouldn't think so if 
you would listen to me. 

Andria — (smiling) Go on. Tell your story. (She 
comes down stage) Try to explain yourself. You will 
only get in deeper, but I. at least shall have the satisfac- 
tion .of watching you flounder. 

Tom— (delighted) You will listen to me? (Comes 
to her.) 

Andria — Yes. 

Tom — (indicating chair) Sit here. 

Andria — (choosing another) I'll sit here. 

Tom — To begin with, I never saw Carolyn Dawson 
until that night in the studio. She has been educated in 
a French Convent. 

Andria — (smiling) That's a good beginning. 

Tom — I was sent by her mother to search for her. 
She — she had run away from the earl — the man whom 
she has now consented to marry. 

Andria— She has consented to him— then? (With 
a ioi.se smile.) 

Tom— She has. 

Andria — Oh ! 

Tom — She refused to see him when he first came, 



52 In Search of Carolyn 

and she took it into her head to run away. It seems 
three days of it was enough. — She — was glad to see me. 

Andria- -Why should she be glad to see you if you 
were perfect strangers? 

Tom — (earnestly) To her I was her father's emis- 
sary. Perhaps I neglected to tell you I am of the firm of 
Dawson & Dudley. Naturally she had heard h^r parents 
speak of me many times. I — I was a kind of family 
friend. 

Andria — (rising) No, I don't believe you. (starts 
to door.) 

Tom — (desperate) Andria! 

Andria — (fiercely) You wanted to marry her and 
now that you find she will not have you — you — 

Tom — (as fiercely) It's a lie! (Follows her to the 
door.) 

(They stand glaring at each other, when the door 
bursts open and Mr. D. enters.) 

Mr. D. — (taken back) Well — well — well! (He looks 
from Tom to Andria.) 

(Andria looks at him. They stare at each other a 
second as if hypnotized, then — ) 

Andria — You! 

Mr. D. — (putting a hand) My dear young lady, I'm 
glad to see you. 

Andria — (all smiles) Thanks to you that you do 
see me. 

Mr. D. — Ha, ha, ha! You're looking fit. Were there 
ever any ill effects? (Tom is once more forgotten and 
stands staring at them in perfect amazement.) 

Andria — Never! You rescued me just in time. 
Ugh! That dreadful undertow! 

Mr. D. — Deucedly narrow escape. 

Andria — So they told me afterward. 

Mr. D. — You were pretty much gone, young lady. 



In Search of Carolyn 53 

Andria — I've often thought of you and wondered 
what became of you. 

Mr. D. — Yes — yes, of course. Strange we should 
meet again, and in my house. 

Andria — {suddenly aivare of Tom, which fact 
makes her stiffen) I can only thank you once again, Mr 

Mr. D. — — Dawson. 

Andria — Mr. Dawson, and say good-by. 

Mr. D. — No — no ! Look here. I can't let you go like 
this. You are — er — a friend of Tom's. (To Tom.) This 
is the girl? 

Tom — It is; but she refuses to believe my story. 

Mr. D. — Tut, tut, of course she doesn't. 

Andria — I'm afraid I do, Mr. Dawson. You don't 
know the circumstances. 

TVIr. D. — (with mischief in his eye) Look here young 
lady. That day I rescued you from drowning you — 

Andria — Oh! (suddenly she, too, remembers.) 

Mr. D. — (going on mercilessly) — you promised 
to do for me any favor within reason, that I might ask 
of you. 

(Tom starts.) 

Andria — Yes — yes, I did. 

Mr. D. — Well, I'm asking it. Make up with Tom 
and marry him. 

Tom — (starting toward her) Andria! 

Andria — Oh — I — 

Mr. D. — Mustn't go back on your word. (Pats her 
shoulder.) And just remember I haven't saved your life 
to ruin it, my dear. I saved you for happiness. (Slyly.) 
And you'll have it with Tom, I'll guarantee. (With a fi- 
nal pat, he goes off rear door.) 



54 In Search of Carolyn 



{Tom and Andria regard each other seriously. Sud- 
denly Andria with a little sob runs to him. Tom takes 
her in his arms.) 

Andria — Oh, Tom, what did you put your arm about 
her for? 



Tom — I had to — to hold her up. 



CURTAIN 



m. 



r^ 



Money-Making Entertainment Novelties 
for Church, School or Lodge 



Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker. This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling salesmen, shoppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechaneal maid of all work. A good little stunt where 
a short, clean, humorous number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Brightville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanna. Here is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. It is in S 
parts, each part representing a day at Chautauqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of large cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Part 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonville Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'andsome acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costly, curious, cunning clowns; Hee- 
Shee, the Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others will be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
right — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesome lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all girls. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 15c. 

Finding the Key 

A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
Easter. Time, 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested songs. Drill very effective. 25c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



^E 



YOU WILL BE GLAD TO KNOW OF 

THESE NEW PLAYS 

Training Mary 

By Mary Shaw Page. A bright 1-act play with sim- 
ple stage setting. William, husband of Mary, essays 
to train Mary, especially along the lines of correcting 
carelessness. As W always the case, William gets in 
deep water, but finally wades out. 2 males, 4 fe- 
males, and plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Hired Man's Courtship 

By Alice Cripps. A short comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Captain Edwards tires of wealth and the city, and 
procures work on Horton's farm, only to find that the 
farmer's daughter is an old sweetheart. Because of 
an intrigue on the part of the captain's cousin, an es- 
trangement takes place, which ends happily when the 
captain finds the source of certain stories and re- 
futes them. Aunt Hepsey, Jim and Ezra (colored), 
add comedy to the play. Plays about 45 minutes, 
and is for 3 males and 3 females. Price, 25c. 

Merely Anne Marie 

A comedy in 3 acts by Beulah King. 3 males, 5 fe- 
males. Time, 2 ' '■.> hours. The scenes are laid in a 
fashionable boarding house, and the characters are all 
distinct types and worth while. A successful play- 
wright, desiring to escape notoriety, seeks seclusion 
at Mrs. Teague's and becomes the hero of Anne Ma- 
rie, the dining room maid. The dialogue is bright, 
the situations clever and the story ends happily. 35c. 

A Bit of Scandal 

By Fannie Barnett Linsky. Comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Francina, who is to play at the recital, composes her 
own number. On the evening of the recital, Mary 
Sherman, who precedes her on the program, plays 
Francina's compositions, which she has stolen. The 
reasons for the theft all come out later and of course, 
all ends well. Nine characters. Plays about 1 hour. 
Price, 35c. 

Miss Burnett Puts One Over 

By Ethelyn Sexton. A rollicking 1-act girls' play for 
6 characters. Barbara's mother has a friend, Ann Bur- 
nett, who is to visit the girls at college, with the in- 
tention of giving a generous sum to the school. The 
girls, wishing o gain her good will, practice their 
"manners." Miss Burnett, however, appears in dis- 
guise and has much fun at their expense. All ends 
well and the school gets the money. Plays about 45 
minutes. Easy setting and costumes. Price, 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



^ 



New Song-Recitations 



HERE is a list of very clever child- 
impersonations or good encores 
for children. The lines are by 
Margaret Fassitt, the music by Anna 
and Harry C. Eldridge. They will 
be winners on your program. 



Ain't It The Limit? j. 

When You Ask About Your Fixins | soc 



Both in 

one 
number 



Both. 



If Santa Shouldn't Come To Me J 
I've Been And Had The Measles J sbc 



one 
number 



Both in 



I Wish I Had A Ginger-cake ) 
Our Twins J soc 



one 
number 



When Grandpop Was A Boy 
When Daddy Took Me Up 

In A 'Plane 



Both in 
one 

number 

50c 



Eldridge Entertainment House 



FRANKLIN, OHIO 



also 



DENVER, COLO. 
944 S. Logan St. 



^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



015 940 103 



^ 



HALLOWE'EN HILARITY HINTS 

Good Things To Keep The Ball Rolling 

A Bunch of Stunts for Hallowe'en 

A new book of doings, contributed by many wide- 
awake writers. Covers almost any kind of festival, 
party or entertainment you wish to give. Drills, 
games, stunts, decorations, etc. Price, 75c. 

The Fairy and the Witch 

A 1-sct allegorical sketch for Hallowe'en, by A. D. 
Nelson. 1 adult, male or female, and any number of 
children. In this very picturesque little play, the 
Black Witch of Hallowe'en falls under the spell of 
the White Fairy and superstition gives way to rea- 
son. Time, about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Frolic of the Witches 

By Juanita Mae Culp. This is a clever little drill es- 
pecially adapted for Hallowe'en. Introduces flash- 
lights and brooms, and is for 1 1 girls. Price, 25c. 

Guess Who Song and Drill 

Something novel. Price, 25c. 

The Haunted Gate 

By Edith Wormwood. A clever play for Hallowe'en. 

The capture of the ghosts furnishes a good climax to 

the play. 3 males, 7 females. Plays from 30 to 45 
minutes. Price, 35c. 

Jimmy's Ghosts 

By Cecil J. Richmond. A sketch for children. Five 
speaking parts with chorus of witches. Can easily be 
given in any school room. Price, 15c 

Scarecrows A-Roaming 

An eccentric drill. Price, 25c. 

What To Do on Hallowe'en 

Compiled by Juanita Mae Culp. This is a really good 
collection of helpful suggestions for this occasion. 
Suggestions for decorations, menus, parties, games, 
stunts, recipes, a play or two, and other good things. 
Purchasers will find themselves relieved from worry 
and trouble concerning Hallowe'en. Price, 40c. 

Fun With Fortune Telling 

Compiled by Mrs. G. L. Henson. Here is a book that 
will furnijh fun and interest for any social gathering. 
Every one is interested in their "fortune" and this 
book is arranged to give you pleasure, either individ- 
ually or as a crowd. Price, 50c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO 



also 



DENVER, COLO. 
944 S. Logan St. 



it 



